Herpes Simplex Virus, Human Papillomavirus, and Cervical Cancer: Overview, Relationship, and Treatment Implications

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Many different viruses are known to cause cancer. It is well known that human papillomavirus is a causative agent of cervical carcinoma. What is more controversial in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer is the role of herpes simplex virus. If herpes simplex does contribute to cervical cancer, then it could become a therapeutic target against a disease that is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths per year. After a brief introduction to both viruses, this review assesses the evidence for and against the involvement of herpes simplex in the development of cervical cancer. Furthermore, it discusses treatment options for this disease, including preventative measures and recent therapeutic advances. ABSTRACT: There is a significant body of research examining the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer, with a particular emphasis on the oncogenic proteins E5, E6, and E7. What is less well explored, however, is the relationship between cervical cancer and herpes simplex virus (HSV). To date, studies examining the role of HSV in cervical cancer pathogenesis have yielded mixed results. While several experiments have determined that HPV/HSV-2 coinfection results in a higher risk of developing cervical cancer, others have questioned the validity of this association. However, clarifying the potential role of HSV in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer may have significant implications for both the prevention and treatment of this disease. Should this relationship be clarified, treating and preventing HSV could open another avenue with which to prevent cervical cancer. The importance of this is highlighted by the fact that, despite the creation of an effective vaccine against HPV, cervical cancer still impacts 604,000 women and is responsible for 342,000 deaths annually. This review provides an overview of HSV and HPV infections and then delves into the possible links between HPV, HSV, and cervical cancer. It concludes with a summary of preventive measures against and recent treatment advances in cervical cancer.